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Mei15 Things You Didn't Know About Cut Car Key
Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is more than just shaping a piece of metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures security, functionality and the longevity of keys.
It is not unusual to lose keys to your car or even have them break into the lock. You'll require an alternative car key to ensure that you are able to drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed in the past 20 years, it is likely that it has a transponder chip. These chips are small microchips inside the handle of your key that transmit signals to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The onboard computer scans the digital serial numbers within the chip and allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This prevents car thieves from hijacking your vehicle since they'd need to know the unique serial number.
The microchip inside your car keys transmits an unintentional radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates your microchip, which transmits a instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will be able to recognize this code and only allow it to start only if the key is the correct one. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Locksmiths who provide these services can design car keys with chips. They are also available at a few automotive stores like AutoZone. These stores offer a wide selection of keys, and can assist you in finding the best one for your car. They can even assist you to program the chip to your vehicle, which is essential to make it work.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys have an cylinder for locking that is much more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or with specially designed software. This technology is most common in high-end vehicles however, it is now available on many affordable models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another type of key that is difficult to duplicate. The keys are black with a resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to stop them from starting a car that it's not meant to. They are expensive and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys and cars that had computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key with a resistor pellet embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the vehicle. The VATS black pellet that is located in the middle of a VATS key is not a chip like those present in modern smart keys. It is simply a carbon block appropriately sized to have an exact electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They connected them to the blade of the key, so that when the key cutting places is turned on in the ignition the coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal is in line with the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet, then the relay in the starter circuit will be activated and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a vehicle safe from theft however it can delay the theft by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.
After a lot of usage the VATS module could begin to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two tiny wires inside the ignition and over time the wires may begin to break. If enough wires are damaged, the signal is lost to the module and the car will not start.
You can solve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. You'll need a multimeter and a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the prongs of metal that are hanging out on both sides of the key, then examine the display of your ohm meter to determine the resistance of your key.
This is also a good way to test a new key to determine whether it works in your vehicle. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. If not the key may have an incorrect VATS and will not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start the vehicle. Many of them have advanced features that most owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security device or a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and emit chirping sounds to assist you in finding your vehicle when you're in a hurry or summon it by pressing the button. This is more than you could ever think of from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their additional functions. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.
Some dealers charge up to $100 for one smart fob. It's a steep price for a device that's often jostled in pockets and purses where it can be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Certain automakers have devised methods to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. These are usually utilized in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings by transmitting an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.
One method to safeguard the key fob's RFID is to put it in a metal case or an RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is compromised if must remove your key fob every time you want to use it from the protective case.
Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty insurance policies will cover the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also avoid paying new-car dealership fees by having your fob cloned by a locksmith or hardware store that offers key cut place near me-fob-cloning services.
The decision of whether to buy a new fob is largely dependent on the significance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. You should always keep a spare car key cutting fob or key on hand in the event that you misplace yours. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that fit most cars and trucks. Plus, we offer a quick, convenient service that costs roughly 50% less than you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
The classic car key is made of a single piece of steel with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. These keys will open your locks and start your vehicle, provided that you don't replace them with an electronic key or a remote key. The only disadvantage of using an old-fashioned car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key has been lost, damaged or stolen, you'll have to visit a Gainesville locksmith to have new keys cut from the blank.
Depending on how much time has passed since the last time you got your keys cut, there are several different alternatives to pick from when it comes time to get car key cut another copy. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser key cutting-cut with enhanced security features.
Modern keys are equipped with advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips, which are incorporated into the key to communicate with your car and make it work only when it's within the range of your car.
If you choose to use a traditional key, your locksmith can design an entirely new key using a standard cutter machine that is available from most hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob, or transponder, and you can still operate your trunk, locks, and doors.
Another option is to have the traditional car keys substituted with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys first came out in the 1990s, and they're a popular choice for those who wish to enhance the security of their automobiles. Laser cut keys typically contain transponder chips that are programmed to work only for your specific vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your car it won't receive the signals from the key and won't be able to start.
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